Celebrate Chinese New Year with Hardys
Chinese New Year is fast approaching, and to help you present an auspicious and blessed start to your friends and family Hardys has curated a series of wonderful wine offerings. If you’re searching for a gift for a friend, your parents or an esteemed client or you’re looking for a wine to bring to a banquet celebration, look no further than a Hardys premium red wine. The award winning Eileen Hardy and Heritage Reserve Bin (HRB) ranges are the perfect accompaniment to mark the beginning of a New Year. The Eileen Hardy range was created in 1973 as a tribute to Eileen Hardy, the iconic matriarch of Hardys wines, who was awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to the Australian wine industry in 1976. Only the best parcels of fruit are selected and go into crafting wines that bear Eileen Hardys’ name. While the HRB range pushes the boundaries of winemaking through the cross regional blending of hand selected grapes building on the vision of Thomas Hardy, founder of Hardys. Hardy believed the blending would enhance the different qualities of the grapes. His vision proved to be right and it has since become the inspiration for HRB.
Editor's Pick:
For your parents – 2005 | Eileen Hardy Shiraz HK$998
Eileen Hardy’s spirit for life and adventure continues at the very heart of the Hardys brand, making the 2005 Eileen Hardy Shiraz a perfect gift for the matriarchs of your family. Produced from grapes grown in the McLaren Vale, the 2005 Eileen Hardy Shiraz is a fragrant wine with an immediate appeal of blueberry spice, lashings of liquorice, dark chocolate and ripe dark plum in its bouquet, opening up to reveal an underlying complexity of black olive and aniseed. The palate is powerful and layered with rhubarb and dark berries, complemented by notes of chocolate and cedar.
For the family – 2007 | Hardys HRB D640 Cabernet Sauvignon HK$368
Bestow your best wishes for the New Year to your loved ones with a sophisticated bottle of 2007
Hardys HRB D640 Cabernet Sauvignon. This medium bodied style of Cabernet Sauvignon has a bright bouquet of cassis, mint and dry herbs with a complex olive and tobacco leaf interplay. This regional blend shows a lovely persistence of flavours and highlights the best of both the Coonawarra and Margaret River regions.
For your client – 2012 Eileen Hardy Pinot Noir HK$998 Impress your client this New Year with the 2010 Eileen Hardy Pinot Noir – a complex wine with flavours of anise and strawberry combined with earthy notes of game and ‘forest floor’, interwoven with fine French oak. This wine has rich, sweet fruit with fine tannins and is beautifully balanced with lovely mineral acidity.
The HRB and Eileen Hardy ranges are available for purchase at Aeon stores in Quarry Bay, Hung Hom, Tuen Mun, Kowloon Bay, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon City and Tsuen Wan and Yata stores in San Po Kong,Tuen Mun, Mong Kok, Kwun Tong, Tai Po and Sha Tin.
For enquires, please visit: www.hardyswines.com
Japanese Whisky Achieve Fantastic Results at Zachys Asia New Year Sale
Lot 652
Rare Japanese whisky took center-stage at Zachys Asia’s on 24 January at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. The Japanese whisky section was 100% sold and achieved a spectacular total of over HK$2.61 million/US$337,072 against a pre-sale estimate of HK$1.6 million/US$210,516. The sale realized a grand total of over HK$20.7 million/US$2.67 million offering a stunning array of exceptional Scottish and Japanese whiskies alongside Bordeaux and Burgundy gems.
Jeff Zacharia, President of Zachys, commented: We are delighted to kick off the auction season in Hong Kong with such phenomenal results. In a packed saleroom, bidding was consistently active throughout this exciting sale pushing the prices for many lots beyond their estimates. Whisky performed exceptionally well and blue-chip Burgundy and Bordeaux were highly sought after. All the 98 lots of Japanese whiskies on offer were sold out at impressive prices, clearly reflecting the enormous interest and strong demand in the market for this category, especially in Asia. The interest for whisky in the auction market has started to build up in the past few years and I believe that its popularity will marketplace.”
A SPECTACULAR OFFERING FROM THE HISTORIC CELLAR OF GRAHAM LYONS
There was keen interest for wines from the cellar of Graham Lyons which was 100% sold. It is one of the greatest collections of rare wines in the world and almost all wines were purchased on initial release and have since been stored at Octavian in the United Kingdom until this auction.
Lot 653 Elliot Faber,
EXCEPTIONAL JAPANESE WHISKY
Bidding was spirited in the saleroom for rare Japanese whisky and resulted in remarkable prices well above pre-sale estimates. Rare bottles from Hanyu Ichiro’s “Playing Card” series were eagerly sought after. Each bottle of the series has a different card face and contains whiskies from casks distilled as early as 1985 and as late as 2000.
The top lot was a Suit of Diamonds of 13 bottles from Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Card series that realized HK$318,500/US$41,097 (Estimate: HK$260,000-400,000 /US$34,000-55,000, Lot 652, illustrated on P.1). Two bottles featuring the extremely rare Black & White Joker and the Colour Joker, the two final cards of the series released in 2014, commanded a strong price of HK$116,375/US$15,016 (Estimate: HK$60,000-90,000/US$8,000-12,000, Lot 653), well exceeded pre-sale expectations.
Lot 653 Elliot Faber, Hong Kong based whisky specialist, said: “With 100% of all Japanese whisky lots being sold at record prices, The Zachys New Year Auction showed that there are still increasing demands for rare and limited bottlings not only from the closed distilleries of Hanyu and Karuizawa, but also from the distilleries who are still in operation such as Suntory’s Yamazaki, Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo. This year, collectors and enthusiasts alike will be thirsty for more single casks and older vintage bottlings from all of Japan’s
distilleries.
“People haven’t forgotten Scotland either. If there were less attention to the Scotch this time around, that only means there is a lot of room to grow in this category and Zachys’ offered some extremely collectible bottles. I look forward to seeing the offers at the next auction,” said Faber, who is also Beverage Director for Ronin, Yardbird, and Sunday's Grocery.
For enquires: www.zachys.com/auctions | www.zachysasia.com
Top tips on how to choose the bed linen that’s right for you
Top three tips to choose the best linen
How do you choose bed linen? The world of thread counts is confusing for most, and Sleep Naked Director Robin Beaumont has three top tips to help you choose the bed linen that is right for you this New Year and Valentine's day!
Tip #1: Unravel the mystery of thread count
There is often a lot of confusion around what thread count actually means. In the simplest terms, thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. The number is based on the threads woven horizontally and vertically. For example, a sheet made with 400 thread count will have 400 threads per square inch.
Tip #2: The highest thread count isn’t always the best
When it comes to thread count the highest isn’t always the best, as with super high thread counts the fabric can become very dense and less durable. Depending on your preference, look for a happy medium when it comes to thread count. We recommend sheets with a minimum of 200 thread count which will give you the nice crisp feel of a cotton button down shirt with great durability. If you prefer a heavier sheet that is softer and silkier yet still breathable and durable, go for a 300 to 400 thread count for the perfect balance.
Tip #3: Natural materials breathe better
Sheets made from natural materials are the most breathable and great for promoting ventilation and airflow in the bedroom, which will help regulate your body temperature during warmer nights. Cotton sheets are comfortable and durable, and help wick moisture away from your body as you’re sleeping. Silk is also a great choice but is generally more expensive than cotton, and while linen sheets breathe well, they tend to wrinkle much more easily. Avoid polyester in sheets, as it is oil based and will not allow your body to breathe well throughout the night. Printed bed linen can also reduce breath-ability.
Introducing a modern take on Sleep Naked's best-selling Classic White bed set, the Black Corded bed set features a three-row black sateen cording design. The elegant contrast of the cording on the crisp white cotton sheets creates a sharp, contemporary look that will add style to any interior. Price: HK$2145 for King size. Sleep Naked products can be found in five-star hotels around the world. This includes the classic Dorchester and Claridges hotels in London, the Atlantis in Dubai and the W Hotel in the Maldives. With Sleep Naked you can enjoy real five-star hotel luxury in the comfort of your own home, with the convenience of free home delivery.
HK$1755 for King size.
Sleep Naked has created the sumptuous Cool Grey and Latte luxury bed sets to bring a subtle touch of colour to your bedroom decor. Add sleek character to your space with one of these velvety soft designs. Price:
Always a favourite, Sleep Naked's Classic White bed set is a timeless design that will live through the seasons. The crisp, white sheets are a sophisticated choice and act as a perfect backdrop to build upon with colourful cushions or throws. Price: HK$1755 for King size.
All above bed sets are 400 thread count and available in Single, Double, King and Super King.
Free delivery to central areas of Hong Kong in 3-5 business days.
Enquires: www.sleepnaked.hk
10 Ways Guys Say I Love You Without Saying It
Valentine's day soon to be here, merci's team seldom talk about love issue but why not? We believe life without love is boring! Today, founder of luxury matchmaking service Anteros International, Kaltlin Kapur suggests you look out for the following signs, which show he loves you without even saying it! Let's check it out
If your partner doesn’t express his romantic side as often as you’d like him to, it doesn’t mean he’s getting bored of you. He may actually just be indulging in other ways to express his true feelings for you – but are you taking notice? If you want to know just how much your man cares, stop letting words play the important part.
- He Holds Your Hand – Whether it’s in a crowd, or while you’re crossing the street, this reflex action shows that he wants to protect you and reassure you.
- Passionate, Long-Lasting Kisses – Who doesn’t love an excellent, lengthy kiss? When he’s continuously initiating these and you can feel the passion each time he does, it is clear that he’s more than just a little excited to be around you.
- Smiling After Kissing – Sure, you can have a little sweet smile after kissing someone whose company you enjoy, but do you ever just feel like positively beaming when it’s someone you love? If you catch him grinning after your kisses all the time, it’s a great sign that he truly enjoys your company.
- He Listens Intently – While he might not be saying much when it comes to your relationship and his feelings about it, the fact that he listens closely when you’re talking is incredibly significant. He may lean in closer when you’re discussing important topics or nod when you say something poignant, showing how much your words mean to him.
- Hand Squeezing – I once had a relationship with a guy who loved holding my hand but would occasionally squeeze it tightly when we were cuddling or out with friends, but hated any other kind of cutesy couple-like act. I always wondered why he was so opposed, but then I realized that every time he squeezed my hand, he was trying to say “I love you” in a quiet, simple way.
- Hair Ruffling – When people are nervous, they tend to run their fingers through their hair more often than normal. Does he do this when the pair of you are in close proximity to one another and it’s a romantic moment? If so, it could show that he wants to say something intimate but just can’t find the words.
- Calling or Texting for No Reason – Not all people do this when in love; so don’t take it personally if he doesn’t. That said, it’s a sign that he feels comfortable with you in non-romantic situations as well as the obvious ones, and that he’s thinking of you throughout the day.
- Frequent Laughter – Does he find you funny and can’t help but laugh when you do something silly? As odd as it sounds, the more often he laughs and finds you hilarious, the more serious the level of interest and excitement surrounding your relationship is.
- Spontaneous Touching – When you are in a public place, does he put his hands on your back to keep you close-by? Does he hold his hand atop yours while you are in a restaurant? Random closeness via touching shows that he wants to maintain physical contact, even when it’s not sexual.
- Eye Contact Often – When you’re at a bar with friends, does he glance across the room just to make eye contact briefly and smile at you? This indicates how, even when you two are doing different things, he still wants you to be aware of how much he cares.
Now you know 10 ways the guy say I love you without saying it from professional, guess is time to think about the gift for your beloved one! Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a fresh, floral bouquet. Order beautiful Valentine’s bouquets from TREE’s online floral boutique flowers from the heart and get the best blooms for that special someone this year!
Leave it to TREE's talented floral artistes to create bespoke bouquets that are truly unique and will tickle the fancy of your loved one. So get organised and shop online for the perfect bouquet to show your love.
You could also sign up for a flower subscription for custom or seasonal bouquets to be delivered all year long from our heart to your home!
Enquirers: flowers@tree.com.hk or call (852) 2870 2118 to custom-make your orders!
Colourful, modern accents create and uplofting ambience
Monaco based design firm CASAMANARA designed a beautiful contemporary loft apartment in Soha New York. Newly installed bespoke woodwork and colourful, modern accents ceate an uplifting ambience for ths stylish family house.
The Philosophy of CASAMANARA
“Casamanara” is a place where the exchange of ideas coupled with an acute interest in listening to one’s needs, results in creative proposals that are individually tailored and do not merely follow some set of pre-determined parameters or stylistic dogma. In a world filled with endless choices, we strive to bring some clarity through harmony and confidence.
We consider ourselves free in the way we approach and interpret any request; the final goal is always to exceed the expectations and wishes of our Clients, by creating furniture and livable spaces which strive to remain pertinent, practical and beautiful.
The word “beautiful” encompasses the whole creative and production process, from the spark that ignited the idea, to it’s final embodiment. Beauty, not limited to just the exterior shell, but all that it represents, is finally more than the sum of its various parts.
by Piero Manara.
Please stay tuned with us for more details!
EXPERIENCE UNPRECEDENTED, GROUNDBREAKING EXCITEMENT ON BOARD THE ALL-NEW VOYAGER OF THE SEAS®
Are you planning to somewhere this year? We believe travel must be one of your plan on your 2015 to-do-list. The legendary Voyager of the Seas® invites Hong Kong’s enthusiastic travellers to step aboard and experience innovative adventures and excitement never before experienced on a cruise holiday! In order to enthuse Hong Kong’s youthful, novelty-seeking travellers. Royal Caribbean International has spared no effort in delivering all-new activities and thrills upon this 138,000-ton favourite of the sea. Following a multimillion dollar revitalisation, the newly revamped Voyager of the Seas® will, for the first time ever, homeport in Hong Kong from 10 July 2015, celebrating its new look and home with exceptional extended travel offers.
After gaining fans around the world through its iconic on-board experiences, including a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, mini-golf course, and basketball court, Voyager of the Seas® will now set sail from Hong Kong with groundbreaking new excitement offerings to share, including the FlowRider® surf simulator, outdoor movie screen, and new specialty dining attractions.
The thrilling FlowRider® experience rolls out real waves, inviting guests to try out the ocean’s favourite pastime of surfing. Tutorials are available to help keen wave-riders become the ultimate deck surfer! Guests can also wind down within one of the four spectacular pools, or stretch out for a spot of relaxed sunbathing. Film buffs can enjoy movies under the stars on the 220-square-foot outdoor poolside movie screen. Those seeking an alternative to aquatic excitement are welcomed to challenge themselves to climb the popular RockWall®. From the beginners’ level to speedy climbing, every rock climber who reaches the top is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views 40 feet above deck. Ball game lovers can spend a pleasant afternoon navigating the 9-hole mini-golf course, or engage in an intensive 3-on-3 match on the basketball court. Serious gamers can even thrill themselves with an International Basketball Federation – standard 5-on-5 formal match! Guests who fantasise about skating upon the seas can let loose upon an ice rink maintained at -14oC thanks to a state-of-the-art on-board cooling system. While the surface is suitably chilly, the indoor air temperature is kept at around 18-20oC, guaranteeing a fun and comfortable afternoon with the family. Or, gear up and let the good times roll at the inline skating track, located on deck with the warm sun and ocean breeze as companions.
For health-conscious passengers, Voyager of the Seas® is also equipped with a jogging trail, fitness centre, and other gymnastics equipment for guests to explore, as well as yoga and Pilates classes. Almost all entertainment and dining experiences are courtesy of the all-inclusive fare system offered aboard Voyager of the Seas®. Comprehensive entertainment includes the figure-skating show Ice Odyssey, Broadway-style dance spectacles, and full-scale stage musicals. Children aged from 6 months to 17 years are invited to join the many Adventure Ocean® youth programs, and to visit the spectacular parade of famous DreamWorks characters on show at the Royal Promenade.
Royal Caribbean International is delighted to reveal that the two incredible ‘WOW’ offers originally scheduled until 30 November 2014 are now extended to 31 December 2014. Guests who book all-inclusive cruise getaways from now until the end of the year may choose to enjoy a free upgrade to a spectacular ‘Balcony Stateroom’ with each ‘Ocean View Stateroom’ booking, or select the option to invite up to two additional guests to join the cruise for free with every two adults paying full price and sharing the same room.
Between July and October 2015, Voyager of the Seas® will set sail to an array of fantastic routes, including:
- 4-night journey to Kaohsiung and Taipei (priced from HKD 3,638 per person)
- 5-night trip to Xiamen and Okinawa (priced from HKD 4,398 per person)
- 5-night visit to Nha Trang and Hue/Da Nang (priced from HKD 4,548 per person)
- 7-night expedition to Xiamen, Nagasaki and Jeju (priced from HKD 7,588 per person)
- 8-night cruise to Okinawa, Fukuoka and Jeju (priced from HKD 7,878 per person).
For enquiries and reservations, please contact one of the Royal Caribbean designated travel agencies:
Royal Royal Caribbean designated Travel Agency
- China Travel Services Tel: 2315 7287 www.ctshk.com/cruise
- EGL Tours Tel: 3692 0888 www.egltours.com
- Hong Thai Travel Tel: 2928 6075 www.hongthai.com/tc/home.html
- Lotus Tours Tel: 2316 1199 www.lotus-tours.com.hk
- Miramar Travel Tel: 8200 2299 www.hkmiramartravel.com
- Morning Star Travel Service Tel: 2519 8088 www.mst.com.hk
- Sunflower Travel Service Tel: 2722 2888 www.sunflower.com.hk
- Travel Expert Tel: 3188 4538 cruise.travelexpert.com.hk
- Westminster W Cruising Tel: 2313 9877 www.westminstertravel.com
- Wincastle Travel Tel: 3913 6100 www.wincastle.com.hk
- Wing On Travel Tel: 2926 3838 www.wingontravel.com
Hong Kong booking and enquiry hotline: + 852 3189 3200
Email: enquiry@royalcaribbean-hongkong.com
Website: www.royalcaribbean-hongkong.com